体坛英语新闻：Organizers upbeat about successful FIFA World U-17 Championship

LAGOS, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2009 FIFA World Under-17 Championship said it is working round the clock to ensure that the event is successful.

    "We are leaving no stone unturned in the task and I can assure Nigerians that we are doing a lot to meet the expectations of our people as well as FIFA, the world soccer governing body," said Malam Mainasara Illo, head of LOC.

    Illo added the committee was working to ensure the standard facilities and an impressive performance by the Nigerian team.

    "Our task as the LOC is to ensure that the necessary facilities are there for the championship and to provide the ground for a smooth championship. We are doing this in conjunction with the nine state governments that have shown interest in hosting the event."

    "We are doing well in the area of facilities and I can say we will be able to present fantastic facilities," he said.